Dorset and The New Forest has a wonderful selection of castles, ranging from ancient hillfort fortresses to more modern buildings still used as homes.

In the New Forest, Hurst Castle and Calshot Castle, each located on the seafront, can be easily visited in a day. Hurst Castle, built by Henry VIII, is located on the end of a shingle spit. Used during the war, 38-ton guns can be seen. www.hurst-castle.co.uk

Two castles in Purbeck attract large numbers of visitors due to their stunning locations and history. Corfe Castle, www.nationaltrust.org.uk   left a ruin in the English Civil War and today owned by the National Trust, lies in a picturesque cleft in the Purbeck hills, and the romantic castle ruins can be fully explored today. The village which grew up around the castle and took its name is well worth spending time to explore. Nearby Lulworth Castle www.lulworth.com , which offers stunning views over the heritage coast, is by contrast a restored 17th century castle set in an extensive estate. A number of lively events are held at each castle throughout the year including jousting tournaments!

Weymouth and Portland's castles, the Nothe Fort www.fortressweymouth.co.uk and Portland Castle, offer a treat for military fort lovers. Both actively used in the World Wars, Portland Castle is the older, dating from Tudor times and used more recently as a Seaplane station in World War II. The Nothe Fort is a restored 19th-century fort, now a fascinating military museum.

The two castles at Sherborne are very famous and reflect two different eras in the town's history. Like Corfe, Sherborne Old Castle, owned today by English Heritage, was destroyed, in this case by Cromwell, but is today an evocative ruin to visit. The 'newer' Sherborne Castle has been home to the Digby Family since 1617 and splendid collections of art and furniture can be seen. The renowned designer Capability Brown landscaped the gardens and lake. www.sherbornecastle.com